Otis

My story

You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Fill out an Adoption Application HEADLINER: Otis is a 2 1⁄2 year old, who is still learning to be a dog. He is very loving with his humans and likes to play and romp with the other dogs. HISTORY: Otis was given up by the family that had him since a puppy due to anxiety issues. In his short time with us he has overcome much of the anxiety although we do keep him on 2mg of Xanax daily (down from 4mg). Otis wants to protect his people so he has “bum-rushed” visitors at times which can seem scary but no bites of any kind have been encountered. It was these behaviors that caused his family to give him up. That said he was also kept in a crate 10 hours per day. PERSONALITY: Sweet, lovable, and definitely a good boy who loves his people. Otis loves attention and is learning to be “gentle” when taking snacks. He has come far in the short time he has been with his foster family. Learning to not listen and behave well with the other dogs when snacks are being handed out. Otis loves the big backyard where he can hang out with his fur buddies and romp and play. Otis does not want to be in a crate whatsoever and is good when left alone in the house. FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Otis likes to play and mouth box with the other big dogs and does well with the small dogs as well. MEDICAL ISSUES: None known WHAT WOULD BE THE BEST KIND OF HOME: Otis needs a home that can continue to show him love and patience and provide ongoing routine and training. He has a beautiful soul and likes Popeye Candy sticks whenever he can get his foster Mom to give him one or two. A large carrot in the morning is a great snack and he eats veggies and fruit with dinner or for a snack each day. Otis will need a home where he is not crated and can have people home with him most of the day. I do not recommend small children as he is still learning and needs guidance. He is fine with our grandsons but I would not put that pressure on him on a daily basis.  Click here to watch a video of Otis.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. Application Fees, Adoption Donations and Rescue Policy: Please know that 100% of our fees and donations pay for the costs of rescuing dogs. These include but are not limited to pull fees from shelters, veterinary examinations, vaccinations, medications and care, microchips, neuter/spay surgeries, heartworm treatments, behavior evaluations, and foster care, as needed. Important notes before applying. Approved adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina and Kentucky. You must be at least 21 years of age to apply and legally sign our contract for adoption. Applications must be completed by the homeowner.  We do not adopt giant breed dogs to renters. If you are renting, and you are applying to adopt a dog that is not a giant breed, permission to adopt an animal must be obtained from the landlord or property owner. We do not adopt giant breed dogs to homes with children under 6 years of age. Homes with children should have a fenced yard. Applications will be denied if anyone residing in the household has a record indicating drug/alcohol abuse, theft, or violence. Pets currently in the applicant's home must have a history of appropriate veterinary care. Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption.  Proof of any of the following exceptions is required: The intact dog is a working member of a law enforcement, or search and rescue/recovery team. The intact dog is registered under the auspices of the American Kennel Club and is actively being shown. A veterinarian has determined the sterilization procedure would harm the intact dog.  We believe in Force Free Training Methods and do not approve of methods or devices using pain or force to control the dog, or to deter undesirable behavior.  Homes with highly varnished steps must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. **We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit. &#226&#128&#139Any inside steps to which the dog(s) have access, must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. Homes with highly varnished floors must have non-slip area rugs or mats wherever your animal walks or rests frequently.  **Puppy Adoption Policy** To ensure proper house training and socialization, puppies will only be adopted to homes where an adult will not be away more than an hour per day, per month of age of the puppy, up to 6 months. Certain large-breed dogs should not be sterilized prior to 12 - 18 months of age.  If you adopt an intact puppy, you will sign an adoption contract agreeing to have the dog sterilized at your expense at the time your veterinarian recommends. Proof of sterilization must be provided to Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue as soon as the procedure is completed.  If the puppy is not sterilized as required, Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue reserves the right to claim legal ownership of the dog.  For additional information please review our FAQs or contact mastiffstomutts@gmail.com **Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue reserves the right to approve or deny any adoption that occurs through this organization without disclosure.  We reserve the right to make exceptions for special circumstances. **PA Kennel License: 05845   September 9, 2025, 5:20 pm

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Otis, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.